Overview
16 days Exotic
Rajasthan tour with Taj is a thoughtfully crafted package that allows travelers
to explore the heritage and cultural trove of India. The tour starts in Delhi
and takes you through the Golden Triangle route where you will explore the Taj
Mahal at Agra and other Mughal edifices. As the tour continues, you will get
the opportunity to explore the charm of Rural Rajasthan along with the Rajput
architectural triumphs. The well-planned itinerary covers the major tourist
places in Rajasthan such as Jaipur, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Mount Abu,
Mandawa, and Pushkar. Visit magnificent forts and palaces, soak in the colorful
culture, relish traditional cuisine, enjoy camel safari; the entertainment
never ends in this tour. Experience nature’s most delightful panorama in the
vast Thar Desert and the verdant Aravalli.
Highlights
- Go for sightseeing in Delhi covering Jama Masjid, India Gate, Red Fort, etc.
- Visit Taj Mahal and Agra Fort
- Take a guided tour of Fatehpur Sikri covering Birbal Bhawan, Buland Darwaza, etc.
- Enjoy Elephant ride to Amber Fort.
- Visit the 16th-century fort in Deogarh.
- Visit the Delwara Jain temples in Mount Abu.
- Enjoy a camel ride in the Sam sand dunes in Jaisalmer.
Itinerary
Day
01: Arrive Delhi
Day
02: Delhi Sightseeing
Day
03: Delhi – Agra
Day 04: Agra
- Fatehpur Sikri – Jaipur
Day 05: Jaipur
– Pushkar
Day 06: Pushkar
– Deogarh
Day 07: Deogarh
– Udaipur
Day 08: Udaipur
Day 09: Udaipur
- Mount Abu
Day 10: Mount
Abu – Jodhpur
Day 11: Jodhpur
– Jaisalmer
Day 12: Jaisalmer
Day 13: Jaisalmer
– Bikaner
Day 14: Bikaner
– Mandawa
Day 15: Mandawa
– Delhi
Day 16: Delhi/Departure
DAY
01: ARRIVE DELHI
Upon arrival
in Delhi, meet our tour representative who’ll escort you to the hotel. After
completing the check-in formalities, take some rest, and have your lunch. The
rest of the day is free to enjoy as you like.
You can take
a walk to explore the nearby areas. In Delhi, there is a food stall at every
street where you can enjoy lip-smacking and spicy North Indian cuisine. Also,
visit one of the many entertainment parks in Delhi to spend a few fun-filled
hours eating and playing games. Shopaholics can explore the biggest wholesale
market in India at Chandni Chowk. You can also take a Rickshaw ride at Chandni
Chowk which is a popular tourist activity here. For some spiritual treat, you
can visit the Lakshmi Narayan Temple or if time permits the Akshardham Temple. Stay
overnight in the hotel in Delhi.
DAY
02: DELHI SIGHTSEEING
Today after
breakfast, embark on a sightseeing tour of Delhi covering Jama Masjid, India
Gate, Red Fort, Laxmi Narayan Temple, Parliament House, and the Gandhi
Memorial. Other places you will visit include Humayun’s Tomb and Qutub Minar
Complex.
Start the
tour by taking blessings from Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi at Laxmi Narayan
Temple, also known as Birla Mandir. Next, visit the historical Red Fort made of
red stone which was the abode of the Mughal royals. Now it is the venue where
the Prime Minister of India hoists the Tricolor on Independence Day every year.
After exploring the erstwhile Mughal residence, visit Jama Masjid, the biggest
mosque in India built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. It can hold 25000
people at a time in its courtyard.
Next in the
list is India Gate, previously known as King’s Way. This is a war memorial
built in the memory of Indian soldiers martyred during the WWI. Also, pay
tribute at Raj Ghat, the memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi.
You will
drive past the Parliament House, the address of the Indian Parliament and
Rashtrapati Bhavan, the official residence of the President of India. Post
lunch, visit Qutub Minar, a UNESCO world heritage site where you can see the 73
m tall tower built by Qutub-Ud-Din Aibak in 1193. The last attraction of the
day is Humayun's Tomb, the first garden-tomb in India where the emperor Humayun
is laid in peace. Stay overnight in the hotel in Delhi.
DAY
03: DELHI – AGRA (APPROX 4.5 HRS DRIVE)
In the
morning, have your breakfast and leave for Agra by road. Upon arrival, check
into the hotel and get freshened up. Later, embark on a sightseeing tour of
Agra covering Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and Tomb of Itmad-Ud-Daula.
Wonder at
the pristine white marble monument Taj Mahal, which is one of the seven wonders
in the world. The UNESCO world heritage site is an architectural masterpiece
built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal.
After the
Taj Mahal tour, visit Agra Fort which is similar to Red Fort in Delhi and was
the abode of Mughal royals before they shifted the capital to Delhi. Itmad-Ud-Daula's
Tomb was built by Mughal Empress Nur Jahan in the memory of her father. This
monument is also called Chota (Mini) Taj for its resemblance to the Taj Mahal. Stay
overnight at the hotel in Agra.
DAY 04: AGRA
- FATEHPUR SIKRI – JAIPUR (APPROX 5.5 HRS DRIVE)
On day 4 of
your Rajasthan tour, leave for Jaipur by road after early morning breakfast. En
route, visit Fatehpur Sikri, the abandoned Mughal town featuring structures
such as Jama Masjid, Birbal Bhawan, Palace of Jodha Bai, and Panch Mahal. Also,
visit Buland Darwaza which is the world's largest gateway built by Emperor
Akbar to commemorate his victory over Gujarat in 1601.
On reaching
Jaipur, check into the hotel and take some rest. In the evening, you can take a
tour of the local markets in Jaipur such as Bapu Bazar, Johari Bazar, etc.
Explore exclusive fashion jewelry, traditional clothes, showpieces, etc. If
time and energy permits, you can visit Chokhi Dhani, a cultural retreat near
Jaipur. Stay overnight at the hotel in Jaipur.
DAY
05: JAIPUR – PUSHKAR (APPROX 03 HRS, DRIVE)
Day 5 of the
tour is scheduled for sightseeing in Jaipur that includes some of the best
tourist attractions in Rajasthan. In the morning, have your breakfast and head
out to visit the Amber Fort. Enjoy the striking beauty of Amber Fort from the
back of an elephant during a joy ride. Later, explore the other tourist
attractions in Jaipur which include Jantar Mantar, City Palace, and the Hawa
Mahal.
Jantar
Mantar or royal observatory houses the astrological equipment to measure the
harmony of the universe. At City Palace complex you can admire the Rajput
architectural beauty while exploring the different edifices, temples, and
museums. Relax for some time in its extensive picturesque garden and then head
to Hawa Mahal. This is known as Woman’s Chamber or Zenana where 933 windows
give the palace a honeycomb-like look.
Later, start
the journey to Pushkar. On reaching Pushkar, check into the hotel and take a
rest. Pushkar is a pilgrimage site in Rajasthan famous for the camel fair and
sacred Pushkar Lake. Stay overnight at the hotel in Pushkar.
DAY
06: PUSHKAR – DEOGARH (APPROX 03 HRS, DRIVE)
In the
morning, embark on a sightseeing tour of Pushkar which includes Savitri Temple,
Varaha Temple, Brahma Temple, and Sri Sawai Bhoj Temple. Brahma Temple is
dedicated to Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe. This is the only Brahma
temple in India and a lot of Hindu devotees visit this place. Savitri Temple is
located in Savitri hill where Goddess Savitri and Parvati are worshiped.
Later, start
your journey to reach Deogarh, having a 16th-century fort, famous for its
palaces, wall paintings, and the Jain temples. Stay overnight at the hotel in
Deogarh.
DAY
07: DEOGARH – UDAIPUR (APPROX 2.5 HRS, DRIVE)
In the
morning, leave for Udaipur by road. En route, visit Ranakpur, famous for its
Jain temples. Ranakpur is one of the five holiest places for the Jain community
in India. The place is located in a remote valley in the Aravalli range and is
home to the most beautiful Jain temples of the country. All the temples of
Ranakpur were built around 1439 A.D. After exploring the temples, head towards
Udaipur.
Upon arrival
in Udaipur, check into the hotel and take some rest. After a few hours of rest,
go out for an evening walk and explore the local bazaars in Udaipur. Stay
overnight in Udaipur.
DAY
08: UDAIPUR
Post
breakfast in the morning go out on a sightseeing tour of Udaipur which includes
Jagdish Temple, City Palace, Saheliyon ki Bari and Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandir.
City Palace is located on the banks of Lake Pichola. This architectural marvel
was constructed during the Mewar dynasty. Each painting, antique furniture, exquisite
glass mirror & decorative tiles of the palace reflect the glory of Rajput
supremacy. Admire the wonderful combination of Medieval, European, and Chinese
architecture of the palace. Then, head to your next destination, Jagdish
Temple. Located just outside the City Palace complex, Jagdish Temple is
dedicated to Lord Vishnu which is a major tourist spot in Udaipur. The temple
is built in the Indo-Aryan architectural style and has been in continuous
worship since 1651.
With the
blessings of Lord Vishnu, you will head to a wonderful garden,
Saheliyon-Ki-Bari which translates to ‘Garden of Maids’. The picturesque garden
was built by Rana Sangram Singh for the queen and her attendants. In the
evening, enjoy a boat ride on Lake Pichola with the view of an amazing sunset. Stay
overnight in the hotel in Udaipur.
DAY
09: UDAIPUR - MOUNT ABU (APPROX 03 HRS, DRIVE)
After
breakfast in the morning, leave for Mount Abu by road. Upon arrival, check-in
at the hotel and take some rest. Mount Abu is the only hill station in
Rajasthan offering stunning views of the Aravalli Mountain Range. You can visit
the Guru Shikhar viewpoint to enjoy stunning views of the city. In the
afternoon, visit the famous Dilwara Jain Temple, built between the 11th and the
13th century. There are 5 temples in the complex and the white marbled temples
are dedicated to various Jain Tirthankaras. Stroll around the local bazaars in
the evening. Stay overnight in the hotel in Mount Abu.
DAY 10: MOUNT
ABU – JODHPUR (APPROX 05 HRS, DRIVE)
Today, leave
for Jodhpur by road. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel and take some rest.
After some time, go out for a sightseeing tour of Jodhpur covering Mehrangarh
Fort, Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jaswant Thada, and the Clock Tower.
Mehrangarh
Fort is one of the largest forts in India. It was constructed in1459 by Rao
Jodha, a king of Mandore. The fort is situated 410 feet above the Jodhpur city
and is surrounded by impressive thick walls. There are several palaces
decorated with intricate carvings and expansive courtyards inside the fort that
are admired by the viewers.
Set on 26
acres of gardens, the magnificent Umaid Bhawan Palace was once home to the
royal family of Jodhpur. It is one of the largest private residences in the
world. Jaswant Thada was built by Maharaja Sardar Singh of Jodhpur in memory of
his father, Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. The white stone mausoleum constructed in
1899 serves as the cremation ground for the royal family of Marwar. Stay
overnight in the hotel in Jodhpur.
DAY
11: JODHPUR – JAISALMER (APPROX 5.5 HRS, DRIVE)
Post
breakfast in the morning, leave by road for Jaisalmer. Upon arrival, check into
the hotel and take rest. In the evening, you have an option to visit the famous
Golden Fort. The Golden City is popular for its Havelis, the massive Jaisalmer
Fort made of Yellowstone, and desert safaris. Stay overnight in the hotel in
Jaisalmer.
DAY
12: JAISALMER
Post
breakfast in the hotel, proceed on a sightseeing tour of Jaisalmer. The
attractions you will visit here include the Jaisalmer Fort, Salim
Singh-Ki-Haveli, and Patwon-Ki-Haveli.
Built by
Rawal Jaisal, a Bhati Rajput in 1156, Jaisalmer Fort is a UNESCO world heritage
site. The fort has 4 massive doors and there are 7 Jain Temples, Raj Mahal
Palace, Lakshminath Temple, and several Havelis inside it. After exploring
Jaisalmer Fort Palace Museum and Heritage Center, pay a visit to Salim Singh Ki
Haveli and Patwon-Ki-Haveli, which are most striking amongst the other
Jaisalmer Havelis. Located near the Jaisalmer Railway station, Salim Singh Ki
Haveli is known for its intricate architecture with several balconies and
peacock shaped roof. The Haveli was built by Salim Singh the then Prime
Minister of Jaisalmer in 1815.
The evening
is booked to enjoy a camel ride in the Sam sand dunes. This major tourist
attraction at a distance of 40 km from Jaisalmer, is popular for enjoying jeep
safari, camel ride, star gazing, bonfire, and cultural programs like Rajasthani
folk dance and music. Stay overnight in the hotel in Jaisalmer.
DAY
13: JAISALMER – BIKANER (APPROX 06 HRS, DRIVE)
In the
morning after breakfast, take a road journey to Bikaner. Upon arrival, check
into the hotel. Later, you will visit the Junagarh Fort, constructed in 1611
AD. Other places that are worth visiting here include Karan Mahal, Anup Mahal,
and Bijai Phool Mahal.
Built by Raja
Rai Singh in 1594, the Junagarh Fort is placed over 5.28 hectares of land that
houses many temples, palaces, and pavilions. The most beautiful among the seven
palaces within the fort complex is the Phool Mahal. The Ratan Bihari temple was
specially built for the royal family that is crowded by the visitors during the
Gangaur festival and Dussehra. Also, don’t forget to explore the museum that
displays many ancient manuscripts, royal documents, portrait galleries,
etc. Stay overnight in the hotel in Bikaner.
DAY
14: BIKANER – MANDAWA (APPROX 4.5 HRS, DRIVE)
Post
breakfast in the morning, leave by road for Mandawa. Upon arrival, check into
the hotel. The evening is booked to visit the Shekhawati area and explore the
frescoes and painted Havelis followed by a camel ride. Mandawa is a quaint town
in the Shekhawati region in Rajasthan. Mandawa is known as the open-air art
gallery of Rajasthan for its beautiful forts and mansions with beautifully
painted walls. You can visit places like Murmuria Haveli, The Harlalka Well,
and Bansidhar Newatia Haveli. Stay overnight in the hotel in Mandawa.
DAY
15: MANDAWA – DELHI (APPROX 6.5 HRS, DRIVE)
In the
morning, leave by road for Delhi. Upon arrival, check into the hotel. Later, go
out for a shopping expedition in Delhi which includes Dilli Haat, Chandni
Chowk, and Janpath. Stay overnight in the hotel in Delhi.
DAY 16:
DELHI/DEPARTURE
In time
transfer to airport to board your homebound flight with the happy memory of our
incredible nation.
Note: This is just a suggested itinerary
indicative of what could be possible. We tailor holidays for your specific
needs. Contact us if you want modifications so that we could tailor a holiday
to suit your need for an unforgettable India tour.
Inclusions/Exclusions
WHAT'S
INCLUDED:
- Accommodation on bed & breakfast basis based on double/twin occupancy.
- Excursions and touring as specified in itinerary, all on private basis.
- All airport and ground transportation on private basis.
- Driver allowance and all presently applicable taxes.
*Not included: gratuities, visas (if applicable), international or internal flights, meals and drinks not described, items of a personal nature.